11/19/2013 - EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Eielson members in search of volunteer opportunities have a chance to give their time in assisting with a uniquely Alaskan event in Fairbanks March 15 to 22, 2014.

More than 800 volunteers are needed for the Arctic Winter Games 2014 to help with things like keeping score, security, transportation, ticketing, photography, physical therapy, setting up beds or making breakfast. There will be dozens of events throughout the week volunteers can help with, including the opening ceremonies and ice hockey finals. Various interests and skills are needed.

To be a volunteer, you must be at least 15 years old by Jan. 31, 2014 and be willing to commit to a minimum of 12 hours during the Games.

"The value of volunteering for the AWG is priceless," said Chief Master Sgt. Karen Taber, 354th Mission Support Group superintendent and the 354th Fighter Wing representative on the AWG Board of Directors. "Not only will volunteers demonstrate our support of the Fairbanks community who wholeheartedly support us, but we will also demonstrate the value we place on youth sports."

Airmen are encouraged to volunteer as an individual, with a group or as a family.

"Not as many Eielson Airmen have volunteered as of now," Taber said. "We hope to change that and get more out there in the community volunteering for this great event."

More than 2,000 youth from the circumpolar world will participate in 20 sports, some of which include alpine skiing, basketball, snowshoeing, curling, snowboarding, volleyball, dog mushing and gymnastics. The International competition will host athletes from Canada, Greenland, Sweden, Russia, Finland, Norway and Alaska. According to the AWG event staff, the Games are an opportunity to build partnerships, share cultural values and promote the benefits of sport in Northern and Arctic regions of the world.

The AWG began in 1969 and are held once every two years. They are arriving in Fairbanks for the first time since 1988. The AWG represent a high level of international opportunity for aspiring athletes, cultural artists, and performers from the circumpolar world.

For more information or to volunteer, visit www.awg2014.org and fill out an application online or call (907) 456-2014.

(Please note that individual volunteer application forms located at www.awg2014.org currently are not accessable on a government computer.)